Memphis County Jail Blues...

I just finished this mixed media canvas and hung it in my bedroom.

It is so good to be out of school :)

This canvas started out as an ugly painting.  I pick them up when I see them for cheap. If I can buy it for $1 or $2 it's cheaper than buying a new canvas. Plus it's recycling.

I used yellowed vintage sheet music, old book pages, ledger paper, and a cancelled 1950s check from the Idaho-Utah Sugar Co. Any ephemera would do, as long as it looks old.

I was going for a theme, so I chose sheet music with songs like "Memphis County Jail Blues" and other related songs. Although it is subtle, and most people probably wouldn't notice, I like adding details like that.

I used Mod Podge with a matte finish to cover the canvas with the vintage ephemera. I did this a few weeks ago.  I printed a bird photo from The Graphics Fairy (you didn't know about the Graphics Fairy??)

Here's where things got a little tricky.

I drew a freehand birdcage with a Sharpie.

I hated it. I was sad. I thought I would have to throw this away. See?

The lines were too dark, too bold, (not to mention shiny) and every flaw stood out in my drawing.

So I set it aside for a couple days, and last night I dreamed about it.

I took a fine grit sandpaper and sanded the Sharpie lines. Because they were drawn on top of Mod Podge, it didn't mess up the paper.  Then, I used acrylic paint and float (mixed a little brown and a little white) and glazed over the whole canvas to give it a faded out look.

I'm in love with it now! It's hanging in my bedroom.

New Stuff Thursday, May 11th 2011



Metal/wire wall pocket $22 painted white 18" long, 9" deep, 11" wide.

Vintage embroidery on 100% linen. $8 slightly yellowed with age, but good condition.

Vintage Owl figurine. $4 Excellent conditon, no chips or cracks. About 5" tall.

Vintage green homestead plate $4. Measures



Junkalicious finds, pricing and putting in the shop...

I found some of the coolest things yesterday when I was out and about...

I can't wait to put them in the shop. If you can't wait until the weekend, let me know and we'll work something out. 

Click on the pictures for a closer look.

Skeleton keys, reproduction, but still so perfect $12.

7 1/2 inches total length from top of ring to bottom of longest key.

Chippy French hanging enamel ware planter with 3 removable pots $18. UPDATE: THIS IS SOLD.

15 1/2" long at the longest. Pots are 4" diameter at the top.

MidCentury Suitcase Organizer $14I'm thinking photo prop or in your mod office as an organizer. Constructed of wood and silvery paper/linen. Great vintage condition, a few small scuffs & tears in the paper. 16" x 10" x 13"

Vintage Globe $18

I've been spotting these all over Etsy and blog-land, they look perfect by themselves or even better grouped up. I've got one more (different color) already priced over at the shop. Measures about 18" high from base to top.

SOLD Delicious Cotton lace tablecloth. $16 This tablecloth is vintage, yellowed, with no holes.  There are a few faded stains (nothing noticable). I love to use these to hang up as curtains. They also look great repurposed as a layer of bedding on top of a comforter. Oh yeah, I guess you could use it as a tablecloth too. But repurposing is so much fun...

eek, this isn't stained, just how it photographed with the shadow.

This tablecloth measures 70" x 88". An instant heirloom, on the cheap.

I have a bunch more things that I found, some I'm tinkering with or painting, some I still need to photograph :)

Oh. And my little blue cupboard isn't for sale, just using it as a photo prop, sorry.

My Bedroom

Last December, I moved from a teeny, tiny cute little cottage, to a bigger house in a nicer neighborhood.  My kids love it.  We actually have plenty of room for everyone here. Our other house was so small.

With the big increase in space, you would think I'd be having a great time decorating.

Not so.

I haven't even had time to think about it because I've been so busy with grad school.

I have lots of great ideas, tons of things to decorate with (hello. I have a store, right?)

So, I want to spend some time working on it this summer :)

My bedroom is a good size. I have some basic furniture that I've painted.

I like to keep it neutral because I find shades of white relaxing.

So, here it is.  This is my bedroom.

Right now it is pretty blah. Not horrible, but pretty boring.

I just made the branch/bird mobile sculpture for the At Home in SouthEast Idaho Magazine Challenge.

I have some projects that I'd like to do in this room.

1. Headboard. I need a cute headboard in this room. Right now, it's too basic and too boring. It doesn't have to be traditional, just something to work as a headboard.  I have some ideas.

2. Wall of mirrors.  I love the look of a wall full of mirrors.  It makes the room seem larger, reflects light all over the place, and adds character and interest.  Plus I have some FANTASTIC vintage mirrors I've been saving for *something*. 

3. Bench re-do.  I found an upholstered bench at a yard sale for $5. The lines on it are divine, but the upholstery is not so much.  It just needs a slip-cover.  Again, I have some ideas.

4. New light fixture.  Did you check out the ugly globe light? Oh my. Yes, that definately needs to go.

5. Pillows. I know how to sew, and there are so many great ideas out there. I didn't realize how boring my pillows were until I was taking these photos. They are comfy down, however.

6. Pop o' Color. I would like a little bit of color.  That can be changed. You know, when I get sick of it. Maybe with the season or holiday. Like pillows or other accessories.
7. Paint the ugly 80s oak closet doors & get new knobs. Oh, and the baseboards too.

pay no attention to the pile of clothes on the floor, please :)

Bird mobile inspired by dear lillie.

Note to self...

I thought I'd drop in to let everyone know what's going on with me and Abigail's.

I am finishing up my second semester of graduate school.

This semester has been the most academically challenging time I've ever had.

With everything I attempt to juggle, I've gotten a little very overwhelmed with life.

Over the past month or two, something had to give.

I certainly wasn't going to let it be my family.

And I couldn't slack on my school committments.

So Abigail's has been sadly neglected.

Here's the good news:

School is going to be finished in a little over two weeks :)

I have so many creative ideas that I feel like my brain is going to explode.

I can't wait to fill the store with new items, new displays, and fresh inspiration.

Hang in there with me.

If you have a shopping emergency

*or you just miss Abigail's so much you can't stand it any longer*

don't hesitate to send me a message on Facebook or email me

melissadc76@hotmail.com

and we can schedule a private shopping appointment.

a day late and a dollar short...

I just found the cutest printable vintage valentine from Altered Artifacts.

Please go check out her blog and other free images!

Tyler Candles have ARRIVED!

When we had the first shop over on Main Street, customers loved our Tyler Candles.

We have so many people that request them, we have brought them back!

Fragrances include:

High Maintenance

 High Maintenance is one of Tyler's most popular fragrances.  It is a floral, woody blend of patchouli and vanilla with a heavy musk undertone!!

(Color: Khaki)

Pineapple Crush

Pineapple is an exciting fragrance of fresh sweet pineapple! A fresh, mouthwatering fragrance.

(Color: Pineapple)

Diva

Diva is a delicious combination of fruits and rich florals. Aromatic chocolate and amber complete the luscious scent. 

(Color: Ecru)

Dolce Vita

Full-bodied Tea and bergamot create an enticing fragrance, while Saboc jasmine, orchid, freesia and patchouli combine to create the power to make anything seem possible.

(Color: Off-White)

Fleur de Lis

Tart pomegranates are at the heart of this amazing fragrance.  The Fleur De Lis scent lets you experience the sun-kissed feel of distant lands!

(Color: Off-White)

French Market

Tyler Candle's French Market fragrance is a fresh combination of florals with hints of gardenia and tuberose. Very unique!!

(Color: Cream)

Icon

Icon is an invigorating, fresh fragrance that is also spicy, sporty and unforgettable! With notes of sandalwood, ambergris, violet leaves, French verbena and Florentine iris, Icon offers a truly uniqe sensory experience!

(Color: Pale Gold)

Ira Jean

This captivating fragrance is a bouqet of Jasmine, Rose, Musk and Sandalwood!  This amazing fragrance is then topped with a fruity blend of Pineapple, Raspberry and Peach.

(Color: Soft Aster)

Kathina

Kathina is a beautiful fragrance of sensual lily of the valley combined with citrus and rose.

(Color: Ruby Red)

Limelight

Limelight is a very popular fragrance. It is a clean, fresh blend of pure mandarin oranges with a surprising touch of lime. A hint of rich vanilla bean oil gives this fragrance a very unique twist.

(Color: Chartreuse)

Mediterranean Fig

The Mediterranean Fig scent is a warm fragrance of sun baked Italian figs mixed with a hint of sandalwood and musk.

(Color: Blush)

Orange Vanilla

The Orange Vanilla fragrance is one that can be enjoyed year round.  The Orange Vanilla scent is a clean fragrance of pure orange and rich vanilla with just a hint of spice.

(Color: Golden Yellow)

TwentyFourSevenGLAM

TwentyFourSevenGlam is a soul soothing fragrance of voloptuous vetiver, vanilla and heliotrope blended with violet and jasmine. The fragrance finishes with mandarin, succulent peaches and green ivy!

(Color: Apollo Gold)

 Tyler

Bursting with the medley of currant & grapefruit. A dash of green undertones adds an opulent twist! Firmly grounded with confidence!

(Color: Camilla Sage)

Upgrade

Delectable Black Currant & fresh Bergamot begin this amazing fragrance! Dramatic Middle notes of tempting Florals and rich Fruit Accords are deppened with intoxicating Lotus Wood! Enrich your world & Elevate up!

(Color: Roman Gold)

Warm Sugar Cookie

Rich sugar cookies baking in the oven with zero fat grams!!!

(Color: Tan)